Armand Bayou Nature Center

ABNC's Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs are designed to open the door to the natural world. Our Bayou, Prairie and Forest are awesome outdoor classrooms where hands-on learning is inspired by nature. Come join us by signing up for one of our many activites and let ABNC inspire you to get outdoors!

Visit this astonishingly beautiful part of the Texas Gulf Coast and "reconnect with nature". Become aware of how Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC), nestled in the Clear Lake Area, is working to preserve the wetlands prairie, forest and marsh habitats surrounding Armand Bayou. Visitors can learn about our plant and animal inhabitants, bird-watch, hike on the Nature Center's trails or view our live animal displays of snakes, alligators, turtles, hawks and bison. A visit to the Center's Martyn Farm will take you back in time to late 1800's farm life in Texas. Before you leave, make reservations to see the beauty of Armand Bayou on the "Bayou Ranger", an electric pontoon boat, or on a guided canoe tour. In order for ABNC to continue to preserve this "Natural Place", please consider becoming a member.

Join Us on an Estuarine Odyssey

Bayou, estuary and tidal stream all describe the most beautifully preserved coastal habitat in Harris County. The abundance of aquatic life which fuels the fishing industry and supplies local seafood markets and restaurants begins in these aquatic environments. Unfortunately, the life in these murky waters goes largely unseen and is therefore mostly under appreciated.

Bring your sense of adventure and a change of clothes as we plan a morning of exploring the life in these shallow water habitats. After an introductory overview lecture, we’ll pull a seine among the tidal flats and marshes to gain a greater understanding of the richness of life that hides just below the surface. This is an immersion into estuarine ecology and will enhance the understanding of ecology for teachers, naturalists, paddlers and the young at heart. The experience may also reawaken the hidden excitement of discovery with every haul of the net.

When: Sat. August 8

Time: 9a.m. to Noon

Where: Armand Bayou Nature Center

Cost: $25/ person-15 person max

Instructor: Mark Kramer

Age: Adult – 18 years and older

“EcoTots” (formerly Mommy & Me)

Join our fun class leaders for toddler and adult activities based on a monthly theme. Reserve a place to stroll with your children as guides lead hikes in various parts of the Nature Center, make a nature craft and play a game. What makes this outing great is the opportunity to be with other adults and children in Nature.

Classes are for children ages 18 months to 4 years from 9:30 -11:00 on Fridays

Guided Photo Hikes

Want to take nature photographs early, before the first guests arrive or late, after the gates close? Guided photo hikes are offered the first Saturday of each month for ages 12 and up. These alternate between early morning and late afternoon. Reservations are required. Please call 281-474-2551x10.

Guided Canoe Trip

Want to see the bayou from a whole new perspective? Come on a guided canoe trip the second Saturday of each month. Ages 12 and up. The trips begin at 8am and go until 11am. Reservations are required. Please call 281-474-2551x10.

Pontoon Boat Adventures

Start your weekend by enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning breakfast drifting down the bayou on our pontoon boat, the "Bayou Ranger". Observe wildlife searching for their breakfast on the bayou. This trip through the heart of the Nature Center presents an uncommon opportunity to watch and learn about bayou life. Enjoy pastries, juice and coffee while underway.

The boat will pick you up at the Bay Area Park boat launch (NOT at the nature center). Reservations required.

Ages: 5 - Adult (an adult must accompany children under 18) Fee: Members: $20 for adults $15 for children and seniors Nonmembers: $25 for adults $20 for children and seniors

Hours:

Wed. -- Sat.

9am -- 5pm

Sun.

12pm -- 5pm

Fees

3 Years & under

Free

4 — 12 Years

$2.00

13 — 59 Years

$4.00

60 Years & above

$2.00

Last admission at 4:00pm.Gates locked at 5:00pm.ABNC is closed Mon. & Tue.